Ruxolitinib as an Effective Treatment for Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Secondary to SARS-Cov-2 Infection: A Case Report

Background: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome. SARS-CoV-2 infection can induce secondary HLH, as described in previous case reports, but diagnosis and treatment are challenging.Case Study: We described an older male patient diagnosed with HLH related to previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fever was the only clinical manifestation initially but deterioration in clinical condition and laboratory parameters was observed during hospitalization. He responded poorly to classical therapy but was successfully treated with ruxolitinib.Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of HLH secondary to mild SARS-CoV-2 infection and take timely ther-apeutic measures to inhibit an inflammatory factor storm. Ruxolitinib is a potential choice for COVID-19 related HLH.

Automated summary

This case study reports the diagnosis and successful treatment of an older male patient with HLH related to previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fever was the initial clinical manifestation, but deterioration in clinical condition and laboratory parameters was observed. The patient responded poorly to classical therapy, but showed improvement after treatment with ruxolitinib.